Understand The Concept Of Istito’ah Before Performing Haj

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Understanding the concept of capability (istito’ah), in addition to the interpretation of haj, is a crucial aspect for prospective pilgrims in preparing themselves before performing the fifth pillar of Islam.

Penang Mufti Assoc Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Sukki Othman said this knowledge is essential to ensure that the haj can be performed properly, allowing pilgrims to achieve a mabrur (accepted) haj.

“Istito’ah, or the capability to perform haj, is fundamental before Muslims undertake the pilgrimage. It includes physical aspects such as health and finances.

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“This concept must be clearly understood so that those who are unable to perform haj due to a lack of capability do not feel disappointed. Therefore, Muslims need to be thoroughly educated about this matter,” he told Bernama recently.

He added that, besides physical and financial capability, istito’ah as defined by Islamic law also includes safety aspects, such as having a secure journey and transport for both the outbound and return trips.

Commenting on pilgrims receiving financial aid from Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), Mohd Sukki said that accepting such assistance is not wrong; in fact, it is permissible as it is targeted aid allocated annually.

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“Accepting this aid is not wrong, but pilgrims who choose to decline and pay in full demonstrate a deeper understanding of istito’ah and possess a solid financial standing.

“Declining the aid benefits other TH depositors who are in greater need and encourages prospective pilgrims to rely more on their savings to perform the haj,” he said.

Meanwhile, deputy dean of Industry and Community Relations at the Faculty of Economics and Management, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Dr Muhammad Hakimi Mohd Shafiai, said that rejecting haj financial assistance helps TH allocate funds to those who need it more.

However, he noted that accepting the assistance is not wrong, as Islamic financial institutions like TH have a social obligation to support the B40 and M40 groups in performing the haj.

“The financial aid for haj is aligned with TH’s efforts to ensure the welfare of Malaysian haj pilgrims is secured. Therefore, there is nothing wrong with accepting the financial aid, as the government views the B40 group as those needing support.

“Those who decline the aid are making a paradigm choice; it is up to them whether to accept or reject it,” he said.

He added that declining the aid could also positively impact TH, as the funds can be returned to TH depositors in the form of profit distribution in the following year, potentially strengthening TH’s financial performance.

According to TH, 263 prospective haj pilgrims from the B40 and M40 groups have fully or partially declined haj financial assistance this season, in line with the concept of istito’ah.

Since 2001 until last year, TH has spent RM2.4 billion on haj financial assistance, with about RM350 million allocated for this season.

For the haj season 1445H, the cost for a Muassasah B40 pilgrim performing haj for the first time is set at RM12,356, while RM19,152 for the M40 group.

The cost of haj for a Muassasah pilgrim this season has risen to RM33,300, compared to RM30,850 last year.

Due to this increase, TH has allocated assistance up to 63 per cent of the haj cost for the B40 group and 42 per cent for the M40 group. The T20 group is required to pay the full amount of RM33,300, the same as last year's cost.

-- BERNAMA